LASK Stun Celtic With Five-Goal Champions League Comeback

LASK produced a remarkable Champions League playoff comeback on Tuesday, beating Celtic 5-1 after extra time in Linz to overturn a four-goal aggregate deficit. The result eliminated the Scottish champions at the playoff stage for a second consecutive season and moved LASK into the league stage.

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Celtic appeared firmly in control when captain Callum McGregor scored in the 21st minute, his first-time shot taking a deflection after Yang Hyun-jun combined with Kieran Tierney. That goal put Celtic 4-0 ahead on aggregate, while Mika Baur and Kasper Høgh also had opportunities for the visitors during the first half.

According to PA Media's match report, LASK began the recovery in the 32nd minute. Moses Usor capitalized on a loose pass from Benjamin Nygren to equalize on the night. The Austrian side then cut further into Celtic's advantage three minutes after halftime, when Robert Ljubicic drove in a shot from 20 yards after Usor had won the ball from Auston Trusty.

Samuel Adeniran made it 3-1 on the night in the 58th minute with a first-time effort from 25 yards. LASK continued to create chances as Celtic added defenders and attempted to protect their remaining aggregate lead. Goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo denied Sascha Horvath and later stopped a João Victor Tornich header, while Adeniran also struck the underside of the crossbar.

The tie went to extra time after Florian Flecker headed in from close range during stoppage time, converting the rebound after Sinisalo had saved another Tornich header. Celtic made a further change when Anthony Ralston replaced the cramping Cameron Carter-Vickers, and the visitors initially slowed LASK's momentum during the additional period.

Adeniran delivered the decisive goal with five minutes of extra time remaining, dispossessing Luke McCowan before scoring from 25 yards. Sinisalo subsequently saved a penalty to prevent Adeniran completing a hat-trick, but Celtic did not recover. The 5-1 defeat means Celtic will continue their European campaign in the Europa League rather than the Champions League.